Pied-billed Grebe

The Pied-billed Grebe is the most widespread grebe in the New World, and the most familiar in most temperate parts of North America. Far less sociable than most...
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The Pied-billed Grebe is the most widespread grebe in the New World, and the most familiar in most temperate parts of North America. Far less sociable than most grebes, almost never in flocks, sometimes found singly on small marshy ponds. When disturbed or suspicious, it may sink slowly until only head is above water. Rarely seen in flight. Often secretive in the breeding season, hiding in marsh, making bizarre whinnying, gobbling, cooing noises by day or night.
Pied-billed grebes are small, stocky, and short-necked. They are 12–15 in in length, with a wingspan of 18–24 in, and weigh 9–20.0 oz) They are mainly brown, with a darker crown and back. Their brown color serves as camouflage in the marshes they live in. They do not have white visible under their wings when flying, like other grebes. Their undertail is white[11] and they have a short, blunt chicken-like bill that is a light grey color, which in summer is encircled by a broad black band (hence the name).
Pied-billed grebes rarely fly. They make a slow dive frequently, especially when in danger, diving to about 20 ft ( or less. They dive for about 30 seconds and may move to a more secluded area of the water, allowing only the head to be visible to watch the danger dissipate

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